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On March 5, Muslims attacked, plundered, and set ablaze an ancient Coptic church in Sool, a village near Cairo, Egypt. Afterwards, throngs of Muslims gathered around the scorched building and pounded its walls down with sledge hammers -- to cries of "Allahu Akbar!" Adding insult to injury, the attackers played "soccer" with the relic-remains of the church's saints and martyrs and transformed the desecrated church into a mosque (a live example of history, which witnessed countless churches seized and transformed into mosques). As a result of Christian girls being abducted and raped and overall terrorization of the Coptic community, thousands...

Words of Jesus: Resurrection to Ascension     By Elder D. Lee ToblerOf the SeventyD. Lee Tobler, "Words of Jesus: Resurrection to Ascension", Ensign, Aug. 2003, 36–39   “Ye shall be witnesses unto me … unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1:8).  As Jesus was taken from the cross and lovingly prepared for burial following the customs of the Jews, His disciples wanted to protect His body from intrusion or harm. They wrapped His body with fresh linen, and a great stone was rolled into place to seal the doorway of the tomb (see Matt. 27:57–60). Three days later Jesus emerged victorious...

Parables of Jesus: The Parable of the Talents     By Elder Ronald A. RasbandOf the SeventyRonald A. Rasband, "Parables of Jesus: The Parable of the Talents", Ensign, Aug. 2003, 32–35  What parent has not looked into the eyes of a newborn infant and wondered in amazement about the child’s future? What parent has not asked questions such as “What kind of life will my child have? For what purposes has this child come to earth now? What must I do as a parent to help this infant fulfill those purposes?”Every one of us has been blessed with many marvelous capabilities, and...

Commit Thy Way unto the Lord     By Elder Jerald L. TaylorOf the SeventyJerald L. Taylor, "Commit Thy Way unto the Lord", Ensign, July 2003, 54  How can we strengthen our commitment to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ?   Some time ago I presided over a stake conference in Momostenango, Guatemala. Prior to the conference, I was surprised when stake president Francisco Rosales recommended that the Saturday meetings be held in the morning instead of in the afternoon, when these meetings are usually scheduled. When I asked the reason for the change, President Rosales said it was safer for the people to travel...

There are some substantial changes coming to America, an explosion of land causing great division such as the Cumberland Gap so that no man may easily pass and the construction of bridges in this area will be futile! This is not to cause division but to bring unity and awareness that I mean business with America to repent and follow me wholeheartedly - a new "Continental Divide" - for not even a river will make this passable and no bridge span its width or girth. Now in this shaking miracles shall occur bringing my chosen ones together as one for...

The Savior’s Visit to the Spirit World    By Elder Spencer J. CondieOf the SeventySpencer J. Condie, "The Savior’s Visit to the Spirit World", Ensign, July 2003, 32–36   What Jesus did during the hours between His death and Resurrection provides the doctrinal foundation for building temples.   “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit” (Luke 23:46). After Jesus spoke these words from the cross, His immortal spirit took leave of His physical body. His lifeless flesh was laid in a sepulchre, and a stone sealed its entrance.A brief time later, angels declared to a group of women gathered at His tomb, “He...

Parables of Jesus: The Unjust Steward      By Elder Tsung-Ting YangArea Authority SeventyTsung-Ting Yang, "Parables of Jesus: The Unjust Steward", Ensign, July 2003, 28–31   We must learn to follow the example of those who plan ahead to provide financially for themselves.  The parable of the unjust steward is about a business manager who manipulates his employer’s debts. I have wondered many times why the Savior ever gave it. Some people have even read it and wondered if He was justifying or excusing unethical behavior. It is a curious parable, but one that is also rich with truth, including teachings that show us...

In 2005 the Lord gave me a vision of a mountain range rising up straight down Interstate 5 from Olympia through California . Yesterday I sensed even parts of the Olmypic Peninsula may soon disappear ! There is about to be , A catastrophe , Of human life greater than ever fortold , A separating of the sheep not of my fold , The ones that have gone the way of Cain , Sold their birthright as Esau for a moment of gain, These sheep have already witnessed the wonders of my love , But have rejected the God of...

In a day when many scholars have reduced Christ to a historical or purely figurative being, this seven-part documentary series stands to affirm His divinity by reconciling the historical Christ with the Christ of religious tradition. Filmed in part on location in the Holy Land and in conjunction with the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship, Messiah: Behold the Lamb of God is the first documentary that covers all phases of the Savior's life - spanning His premortal existence to the resurrection and restoration of the gospel - all told from a Latter-day Saint perspective. http://byutv.org/messiah/

Words of Jesus: On the Cross     By Elder Alain A. PetionArea Authority SeventyAlain A. Petion, "Words of Jesus: On the Cross", Ensign, June 2003, 32  As we ponder the lessons contained in Jesus’ final words, we exclaim with the centurion, “Truly this man is the Son of God” (see Mark 15:39).    While driving alone for long distances, I enjoy listening to Handel’s Messiah and other sacred music that uses the scriptures as the text. This music has always brought deep emotions for the Savior to my heart.Many years ago, a friend presented me with a recording of Franz Joseph Haydn’s oratorio...

Follow the Instructions     Elder D. Rex GerrattOf the SeventyD. Rex Gerratt, "Follow the Instructions", Ensign, May 2003, 90–91   As you open your mind and heart to feel the Spirit, the Lord in His own time and in His own way will give you the instructions which will bless your life.   Some years ago while I was serving as a ward clerk, the ward supplies for the new year arrived on my doorstep. Among the numerous boxes, one box addressed to the ward clerk caught my attention. Taped to the box was a tag with bold type: “If all else fails—Please! Follow...

Golden, CO -- In an era when religious denominations are splitting into smaller and smaller sects, one just reunited after being split since 1954. Science of Mind®, also known as Religious Science, founded in the 1920s by philosopher Ernest Holmes, functioned as two competing organizations for more than 50 years. This week, delegates at their joint annual conference in San Diego approved reunification, called “integration,” with 98% of the vote. In preparation for their integration, the two organizations, originally called Religious Science International and United Church of Religious Science, changed their names to International Centers for Spiritual Living and United...

Do you see My children I AM flowing freely now nothing can stop you as you break down all My children's sacred cows ... For it is a walk of holiness I AM calling ALL to ! You are the ones I AM flowing through , So take My hand and praise My name , For I AM about to complete the reason My Son came , For My Glory , My Kingdom has come ! And now you shall do as he has done , So spread My Word , My Gospel of Truth , To renew their spirit...

COME NOW My Children ! Before I remove My Spirit from The Earth ! Do you see my children this is not a game you are playing for your eternity lies in my hands and I am chasing after you for My love is great but your decision must be true . Come "NOW" My children and find Me for I AM in your garden calling out to you even " NOW " and though you ignore Me and find yourself distracted through your fleshly desires I have not just come to call upon you but to shake everything that...

The Unspeakable Gift     Elder Joseph B. WirthlinOf the Quorum of the Twelve ApostlesJoseph B. Wirthlin, "The Unspeakable Gift", Ensign, May 2003, 26–29  If [we] would open [our] hearts to the refining influence of this unspeakable gift of the Holy Ghost, a glorious new spiritual dimension would come to light.  It is a privilege to be with you today. I love hearing the word of the Lord spoken by our leaders as they are guided by the divine gift of the Holy Ghost. Today I would like to say a few words regarding this wonderful gift.Have you ever thought about the amount...

Overcoming the Stench of Sin     Elder Spencer V. JonesOf the SeventySpencer V. Jones, "Overcoming the Stench of Sin", Ensign, May 2003, 88–89  Our loving Heavenly Father, … knowing that you and I would all sin and become unclean, provided a cleansing process from sin that … actually does work.   Every decision we make, good or bad, carries an accompanying consequence.I grew up in what some of you might call a boring farming community: Virden, New Mexico, population 135. One summer night when I was a boy, my cousins, some friends, and I were looking for ways to create some excitement. Someone...

Holy Place, Sacred Space    Elder Dennis B. NeuenschwanderOf the Presidency of the SeventyDennis B. Neuenschwander, "Holy Place, Sacred Space", Ensign, May 2003, 71–72  Our ability to seek, recognize, and reverence the holy above the profane, and the sacred above the secular, defines our spirituality.   In answer to Pilate’s question “Art thou the King of the Jews?” the Savior answered, “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:33, 36). With these few words, Jesus declares His kingdom independent and distinct from this world. The Savior’s teachings, doctrine, and personal example lift all who truly believe in Him to a divine standard...

War and Peace     President Gordon B. HinckleyGordon B. Hinckley, "War and Peace", Ensign, May 2003, 78–81  I hope that the Lord’s people may be at peace one with another during times of trouble, regardless of what loyalties they may have to different governments or parties.   My brethren and sisters, last Sunday as I sat in my study thinking of what I might say on this occasion, I received a phone call telling me that Staff Sergeant James W. Cawley of the U.S. Marines had been killed somewhere in Iraq. He was 41 years of age, leaving behind a wife and two...

Do you see my children this first love IS worshipping Me wholeheartedly therefore your obedient walk exclaims Me to all that see you shining brightly for My name sake and it is in these two things woven together I bring My kingdom alive in you to feed my sheep . So be My shepherd to others and require nothing in return for I AM The Shepherd that provides for you as well as them . Be My lamp unto others and light their way onto Me . John 14:4 4 You know the way to the place where I am...

Seek, and Ye Shall Find     Elder Craig C. ChristensenOf the SeventyCraig C. Christensen, "Seek, and Ye Shall Find", Ensign, May 2003, 33–34   As we engage our faith and commit our energy to draw closer to Jesus Christ, we begin to understand more fully who He really is.   My dear brothers and sisters, I pray that I may be guided by the Spirit of the Lord as I share with you my personal feelings and testimony.One of the most compelling invitations and profound promises given by the Savior is found in the simple phrase “seek, and ye shall find.” 1 Although the...